Musicians as actors

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speedbump

Well-known member
I live in the 'try to get people to do stuff for you for free' video world, so I'm always looking for ways to maximize my assets.

One of those ways is that I've found that good musicians tend to also be natural actors, and have a high tolerance for difficult shooting conditions that the more seasoned stage actors would object to.

The problem with most of the best band people is that they are serious flakes. I got screwed this weekend by one such musician, who failed to show up for a call yesterday. Probably way hung over. It really irritates me, because I also spent $50 on an anamorphic lens rental, which is now wasted.

Anyway, I'm just blowing off some steam. While musicians can be good actors for your project, you need to make sure they show up on time...
 
I totally agree.

Among my favorie Musician/Actor performances were Tom Waits, John Lurie, and Iggy Pop in Jim Jarmusch films.

And who can forget Bjork in 'Dancer in the Dark'.

There are countless others but those are among my favorites.
 
Did anyone catch former RATT lead singer Stephen Pearcy in the recent Tempe Video release CAMP UTOPIA? He played a machete-wielding cult-leading maniac. Plenty of screen presence, but he didn't have any dialogue.
 
Speedbump,

As a professional musician for over thirty years, I can sympathize with you. There are a lot of musicians who really haven't learned the true meaning of being "a professional". Too busy chasing chicks or the "ultimate buzz". I know, as a younger musician I was guilty of these habits as well.

But fortunately, I matured at a very fast rate and learned this is a business and what I needed to do to succed at it. One of my habits is punctuality, I can't stand to be late for anything. Time is very valuable and a scare commodity. Don't waste there's and they won't waste yours (hopefully).

In any case, all of us musicians aren't flakes and your right, we are natural hams...

Too bad about the $50.00 rental fee. Maybe you can get the musicians to write some music for your film as a trade out...

Good luck.

Mark Dalzell / AudioScapes
Las Vegas, NV
http://www.audioscapes.net
 
I have worked with a lot of acting musicians in my own stuff. Lucky for me they are all hard-working and dedicated to making the best film they can. Your situation sucks though speedbump, don't tolerate slackers, there's plenty of others waiting for their chance.
 
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